Setanta continues development with Bullants

Carlton's Irish recruit Setanta O'hAilpin continues his development with Carlton's VFL feeder club the Northern Bullants. In our last update he'd had an impressive pre-season and opening match. That form has continued.

In round 2, "Carlos" as he has been dubbed, booted 1 goal but didn't make the Bullants' best players, as they went down to North Ballarat by 47 points.

The next match saw him named in ruck, and he again kicked a solitary goal, as his side went down to Werribee by 18.

Round 4 saw both the Bullants and Setanta kick-start their season. The big Irishmen was named in ruck again, but booted 4 goals in his team's 92 point thumping of Port Melbourne. O'hAilpin was also named second best player, behind rising talent Eddie Betts, who the following week was called up to Carlton. On the international rookie list, O'hAilpin will need to be elevated to the main list at the expense of a long term injured player to make his AFL debut.

Last weekend, in round 5, the Northern Bullants went down by 4 points in a heart-breaking loss to Box Hill after leading by 20 with 10 mins to go. On the upside for fans of international footy, Setanta slotted 2 majors and was named 5th best for his side. Hopefully as the season progresses he can maintain his form and perhaps lift it a notch to consistently make the top three for his side, and force his way onto the Blues' senior list.